U.S. patent number 5,853,300 [Application Number 08/656,774] was granted by the patent office on 1998-12-29 for watthour socket adapter with improved electrical connections.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ekstrom Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Keith C. Dropiewski, Robert O. Learmont, Karl R. Loehr, Allen V. Pruehs, Darrell Robinson.
United States Patent |
5,853,300 |
Robinson , et al. |
December 29, 1998 |
Watthour socket adapter with improved electrical connections
Abstract
A watthour meter socket adapter 310 includes a plurality of
current jaw contacts 290 and potential jaw contacts 10 mounted
between front and rear housings 314, 312, with each jaw contact
290, 10 surrounding by a receptacle 422, 70 in the front housing
314. An aperture in each receptacle 422, 70 allows insertion of a
meter blade terminal into the jaw contact. An electrical conductor
extends from each jaw contact 290, 10 to an individual terminal 102
mounted in a terminal portion of the front and rear housings 314,
312. Apertures in the front housing 314 allow insertion of a tool
into engagement with a fastener 112 carried on each terminal 290,
10 for fixedly joining a terminal clip 116 mounted a conductor 132
extending from the jaw contacts to an external conductor 138
inserted through openings in the bottom of the front and rear
housings. The potential jaw contacts 10 are in the form of three
linearly spaced fingers 12, 14, 20, with two of the fingers 12, 14
being spaced apart by an intermediate third finger 20, and
projecting to one side of the jaw contact, opposite from the outer
end of the intermediate, third finger to define a slot for
receiving a potential meter blade terminal. A flange 30 and a tab
42 are formed on each potential jaw contact 10 for attaching a
plurality of external conductors 44, 41 to each potential jaw
contact 10. Another set of apertures formed in the front housing
314 allow access of at least a pair of electrically connected
shorting pins 164 coupled to two terminal clips 116 and aligned
with the apertures to electrically connect a pair of electrical
conductors, jaw contacts and terminals in the housing.
Inventors: |
Robinson; Darrell (Highland
Township, MI), Learmont; Robert O. (Walled Lake, MI),
Loehr; Karl R. (Novi, MI), Pruehs; Allen V. (Howell,
MI), Dropiewski; Keith C. (Walled Lake, MI) |
Assignee: |
Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
(Farmington Hills, MI)
|
Family
ID: |
27396206 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/656,774 |
Filed: |
June 3, 1996 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
521009 |
Aug 30, 1995 |
5577933 |
|
|
|
215915 |
Mar 22, 1994 |
|
|
|
|
521008 |
Aug 10, 1995 |
5571031 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/517; 361/669;
439/814; 439/907 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01R
11/04 (20130101); H01R 4/36 (20130101); H02B
1/03 (20130101); H01R 13/15 (20130101); H01R
13/44 (20130101); H01R 13/113 (20130101); H01R
33/94 (20130101); H01R 33/965 (20130101); Y10S
439/907 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01R
11/00 (20060101); H01R 13/115 (20060101); H01R
13/44 (20060101); H01R 33/00 (20060101); H01R
13/15 (20060101); H01R 4/28 (20060101); G01R
11/04 (20060101); H01R 33/94 (20060101); H01R
4/36 (20060101); H02B 1/015 (20060101); H02B
1/03 (20060101); H01R 33/965 (20060101); H02B
001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;439/508,517,814,856,907
;361/668-670 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Grote & Hartmann, Product Catalog, 1993. .
Long Life For Power Contacts, Machine Design, Jan. 11, 1990. .
Series Reconnect Devices Series SRD-S1900, Scientific Atlanta
Instrumentation Group, 1992..
|
Primary Examiner: Abrams; Neil
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Young & Basile, PC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
application, Ser. No. 08/521,009, filed Aug. 30, 1995 in the name
of Darrell Robinson et al and entitled "WATTHOUR METER MOUNTING
APPARATUS WITH SAFETY SHIELD," now U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,933, which
is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/215,915 filed Mar. 22, 1994, now
abandoned and application, Ser. No. 08/521,008, filed Aug. 10,
1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,031.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion and a terminal
portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base;
a plurality of jaws extending from the base adapted for receiving a
blade terminal of a watt hour meter;
first discrete means, carried on the base, for connecting a first
primary electrical conductor to the base;
second discrete means, coupled to the base and engagable with a
fastener, for electrically connecting a second electrical conductor
to the jaw contact;
third discrete means coupled to the base, for connecting a third
electrical conductor to the at least one jaw contact;
a plurality of terminals in the terminal portion, and
the first primary electrical conductor connected between the means
for connecting the first primary electrical conductor to the at
least one jaw contact and one terminal in the terminal portion of
the housing.
2. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 1 wherein the second
electrical conductor connecting means comprises:
a flange extending from the base; and
a fastener engagable with the flange for connecting the second
external electrical conductor to the flange.
3. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 2 wherein the means
for connecting a third electrical conductor comprises:
a tab extending from the flange, the tab sized to receive a quick
connector attached to the third electrical conductor.
4. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 1 further
comprising:
means, disposed in the housing, for covering substantially all of
the electrical conductors and the jaw contacts, the covering means
including a plurality of apertures, one aperture disposed adjacent
each jaw contact for receiving a blade terminal of a meter
therethrough.
5. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 4 wherein:
the meter receiving portion is formed of first and second plates
and an annular side wall extending between the first and second
plates, the first and second plates spaced apart to define a cavity
therebetween, the at least one electrical conductor and the jaw
contacts disposed in the cavity and substantially enclosed by the
first and second plates and the annular side wall.
6. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 1 further
comprising:
a plurality of potential jaw contacts mounted in the meter
receiving portion and adapted to receive potential terminals on a
meter;
each potential jaw contact including:
a base;
first and second spaced, substantially co-planar, angularly bent
jaws extending from the base;
a third angularly bent jaw extending from the base and disposed
between the first and second jaws, an outer end of the third jaw
spaced from outer ends of the first and second jaws to define a
meter blade terminal receiving slot between the first, second and
third jaws.
7. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 1 wherein:
the means for connecting the first primary electrical conductor to
the base of each jaw contact is integrally formed with the
base.
8. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 1 wherein:
the tab extends from the flange.
9. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 1
wherein each terminal comprises:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore;
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar; and
a threaded fastener engageable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar.
10. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion, the meter receiving
portion being formed of first and second plates and an annular side
wall extending between the first and second plates, the first and
second plates spaced apart to define a cavity therebetween;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base;
a plurality of laws extending from the base adapted for receiving a
blade terminal of a watthour meter;
means, carried on the base, for connecting the first electrical
conductor to the base; and
means, carried with the base, for electrically connecting a second
electrical conductor to the jaw contact;
means for supporting the jaw contacts in the housing, the
supporting means including:
a plurality of spaced dividers carried on the second plate; and
flange means, carried on the second plate spaced from each divider
and defining a slot with one divider, for receiving the base of one
jaw contact therein; and
means, disposed in the housing, for covering substantially all of
the electrical conductors and the law contacts, the covering means
including a plurality of apertures, one aperture disposed adjacent
each jaw contact for receiving a blade terminal of a meter
therethrough.
11. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 10 further
comprising:
the second electrical conductor connecting means including:
a flange extending from the base; and
a fastener engagable with the flange for connecting the second
electrical conductor to the flange;
the supporting means including:
a boss carried on the second plate and supporting a flange; and
an aperture in the boss receiving the fastener engagable to the
flange.
12. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion and a terminal
portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
first and second spaced, substantially co-planar, angularly bent
jaws extending from the base;
a third angularly bent jaw extending from the base and disposed
between the first and second jaws, an outer end of the third jaw
spaced from outer ends of the first and second jaws to define a
meter blade terminal receiving slot between the first, second and
third jaws;
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting a first primary
electrical conductor to the base;
discrete flange means, extending from the base and receiving a
fastener, for connecting a second external electrical conductor to
the flange means;
a discrete tab coupled to the base, the tab receiving a quick
connector attached to a third electrical conductor to attach the
third electrical conductor to the at least one jaw contact;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion; and
the first primary electrical conductor extending from at least one
jaw contact to one terminal.
13. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting a first electrical
conductor to the base;
means, carried with the base, for electrically connecting a second
electrical conductor to the jaw contact;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion, each
terminal including:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore; and
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar; and
a threaded fastener engageable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
the terminal clip further including:
means, carried on the second end of the terminal clip for
connecting one electrical conductor to the terminal clip; and
tab means, formed on the terminal clip intermediate the first and
second ends of the terminal clip, for positioning the terminal clip
in the housing.
14. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting at least one first
electrical conductor to the base;
means, carried with the base, for electrically connecting a second
electrical conductor to the jaw contact;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion, each
terminal including;
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore; and
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar; and
a threaded fastener engagable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
at least one tab formed on the terminal clip intermediate the first
and second ends of the terminal clip;
a plurality of spaced dividers formed on the housing; and
flange means, formed on at least one of the dividers and forming a
channel, for receiving the at least one tab on the terminal
clip.
15. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 14 further
comprising:
a plurality of support posts carried on the housing, each support
post engaging one terminal clip for supporting the terminal clip in
a stationary position relative to the housing.
16. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 14 further
comprising:
guide means, formed on the housing, for guiding external electrical
conductors into the terminal collar.
17. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 16 wherein:
the guide means are spaced from the support posts, each support
post limiting the length of insertion of an external electrical
conductor into each terminal collar.
18. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 14 further
comprising:
a cover disposed over the terminal portion of the housing;
a plurality of apertures formed in the cover, one threaded fastener
aligned with one aperture;
channel means, formed in the housing, for slidably receiving one
terminal collar; and
the apertures in the cover having a diameter permitting access to
the threaded fastener to threadingly rotate the threaded fastener
while preventing passage of the threaded fastener through the
apertures.
19. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 9 further
comprising:
dividers formed on the housing and disposed between the guide
means.
20. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting at least one first
electrical conductor to the base;
means, carried with the base, for electrically connecting a second
electrical conductor to the jaw contact:
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion, each
terminal including:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore; and
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar; and
a threaded fastener engagable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
a cover disposed over the terminal portion of the housing;
a plurality of apertures formed in the cover, one threaded fastener
aligned with one aperture; and
channel means, formed in the housing, for slidably receiving one
terminal collar.
21. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion, the meter receiving
portion formed of first and second plates and an annular side wall
extending between the first and second plates, the first and second
plates spaced apart to define a cavity therebetween, the at least
one electrical conductor and the jaw contacts disposed in the
cavity and substantially enclosed by the first and second plates
and the annular side wall;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jlaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting at least one first
electrical conductor to the base; and
means, carried with the base, for electrically connecting a second
electrical conductor to the jaw contact;
means, disposed in the housing, for covering substantially all of
the electrical conductors and the law contacts, the covering means
including a plurality of apertures, one aperture disposed adjacent
each jaw contact for receiving a blade terminal of a meter
therethrough; and
a plurality of terminal clips;
a plurality of support posts carried on the second plate, each
support post engaging one terminal clip for supporting the one
terminal clip in a stationary position relative to the second
plate; and
at least one rib mounted on the first plate in engagement with the
one terminal clip and co-acting with one support post for retaining
the terminal clip in a stationary position relative to the first
and second plates.
22. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting a first electrical
conductor to the base;
means, carried with the base, for electrically connecting a second
electrical conductor to the jaw contact;
at least one first electrical conductor extending between one jaw
contact and one terminal;
a terminal clip mounted on an end of the at least one first
electrical conductor connected to the terminal;
means for fixedly supporting the terminal clip in the housing;
at least one hollow conductive sleeve mounted in the housing;
an aperture formed in one end of the at least one conductive
sleeve; and
a second end of the at least one conductive sleeve electrically
coupled to one terminal clip.
23. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 22 further
comprising:
a plug including a body having at least one pin extending
therefrom;
the at least one pin insertable through the aperture in the first
plate into electrical engagement with the conductive sleeve.
24. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 22 further
comprising:
a plurality of jaw contacts;
a plurality of terminal clips, one terminal clip connected by one
conductor to one jaw contact; and
means, insertible into the conductive sleeves of two terminal
clips, for electrically connecting the a two terminal clips, and
the electrical conductors connected thereto.
25. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 24 wherein the
electrically connecting means comprises:
a plug including at least one pair of pins extending therefrom;
means, carried by the plug, for electrically connecting the pair of
pins; and wherein
the pair of pins are insertable through the apertures in the first
plate into electrical engagement with the two conductive sleeves to
electrically (couple the conductors in the housing connected to the
terminals and the conductive sleeves engaged by the pins.
26. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion, and a terminal
portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion; and
electrical conductors extending between at least one jaw contact
and at least one terminal;
the terminals including:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore;
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar;
a threaded fastener engagable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
means, carried on the second end of the terminal clip, for
connecting at least one of the electrical conductors to the
terminal clip; and
means for fixedly supporting the terminal clip in the terminal
portion of the housing.
27. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 26 wherein the
terminal clip further comprises:
at least one tab formed on the terminal clip intermediate the first
and second ends of the terminal clip, the at least one tab engaging
the support means.
28. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 27 further
comprising:
means, disposed in the housing, for covering substantially all of
the electrical conductors and the jaw contacts, covering means
including a plurality of apertures, one aperture disposed adjacent
each jaw contact for receiving a blade terminal of a meter
therethrough.
29. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 28 wherein the
covering means comprises:
the meter receiving portion formed of first and second plates and
an annular side wall extending between the first and second plates,
the first and second plates spaced apart to define a cavity
therebetween, the at least one electrical conductor and the jaw
contacts disposed in the cavity and substantially enclosed by the
first and second plates and the annular side wall.
30. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 26 further
comprising:
a cover disposed over the terminal portion of the housing;
a plurality of apertures formed in the cover, one threaded fastener
aligned with one aperture;
channel means, formed in the housing, for slidably receiving one
terminal collar; and
the apertures in the cover having a diameter permitting access to
the threaded fastener to threadingly rotate the threaded fastener
while preventing passage of the threaded fastener through the
apertures.
31. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 26 further
comprising:
a cover disposed over the terminal portion of the housing;
a plurality of apertures formed in the cover, one threaded fastener
aligned with one aperture; and
channel means, formed in the housing, for slidably receiving one
terminal collar.
32. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 30 further
comprising:
a plurality of support posts carried on the second plate, each
support post engaging one terminal clip for supporting the terminal
clip in a stationary position relative to the second plate; and
at least one rib mounted on the first plate in engagement with one
terminal clip and co-acting with one support post for retaining the
terminal clip in a stationary position relative to the first and
second plates.
33. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion, and a terminal
portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion; and
electrical conductors extending between at least one jaw contact
and at least one terminal;
the terminals including:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore;
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar;
a threaded fastener engagable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
the terminal clip including:
means, carried on the second end of the terminal clip, for
connecting at least one of the electrical conductors to the
terminal clip; and at least one tab formed on the terminal clip
intermediate the first and second ends of the terminal clip;
means, disposed in the housing, for covering substantially all of
the electrical conductors and the jaw contacts, covering means
including a plurality of apertures, one aperture disposed adjacent
each jaw contact for receiving a blade terminal of a meter
therethrough;
the covering means including the meter receiving portion formed of
first and second plates and an annular side wall extending between
the first and second plates, the first and second plates spaced
apart to define a cavity therebetween, the at least one electrical
conductor and the jaw contacts disposed in the cavity and
substantially enclosed by the first and second plates and the
annular side wall;
a plurality of spaced dividers formed on the first plate; and
flange means formed on at least one of the dividers and forming a
channel for receiving the at least one tab on the terminal
clip.
34. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 33 further
comprising:
a plurality of support posts carried on the second plate, each
support post engaging an intermediate portion of one terminal clip
for supporting the terminal clip in a stationary position relative
to the second plate.
35. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 33 further
comprising:
guide means, formed on the second plate, for guiding external
electrical conductors into the terminal collar.
36. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 35 wherein:
the guide means are spaced from the support posts, each support
post limiting the length of insertion of an external electrical
conductor into each terminal collar.
37. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 36 further
comprising:
dividers disposed between the guide means when the first and second
plates are joined together.
38. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion. and a terminal
portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion; and
electrical conductors extending between at least one jaw contact
and at least one terminal;
the terminals including:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore;
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar;
a threaded fastener engagable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
at least one pair of hollow conductive sleeves mounted in the
terminal portion of the housing;
an aperture in the terminal portion alignable with one end of each
conductive sleeve;
each conductive sleeve electrically coupled to one terminal clip;
and
means, insertible into the at least one pair of sleeves, for
electrically connecting the two terminal clips, and electrical
conductors connected thereto, connected to the at least one pair of
sleeves.
39. The watthour meter socket adapter of claim 38 wherein the
electrically connecting means comprises:
a plug including at least one pair of pins extending therefrom;
means, carried by the plug, for electrically connecting the pair of
pins; and wherein
the pair of pins are insertable through the apertures in the first
plate into electrical engagement with the conductive sleeves to
electrically couple the conductors in the housing connected to the
terminals with the conductive sleeves engaged by the pins.
40. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion, the meter receiving
portion being formed of first and second plates and an annular side
wall extending between the first and second plates, the first and
second plates spaced apart to define a cavity therebetween;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a first electrical conductor;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base;
means, carried on the base, for connecting the first electrical
conductor to the base;
the first electrical conductor and the at least one jaw contact
disposed in the cavity and substantially enclosed by the first and
second plates and the annular side wall;
one aperture formed in the first plate and disposed adjacent the at
least one jaw contact for receiving a blade terminal of a meter
therethrough;
means for supporting the jaw contacts in the housing, the
supporting means including:
a plurality of spaced dividers carried on the second plate; and
flange means, carried on the second plate spaced from each divider
and defining a slot in conjunction with one divider, for receiving
the base of one jaw contact therein.
41. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting a first electrical
conductor to the base;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion, each
terminal including:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore; and
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar; and
a threaded fastener engageable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
the terminal clip further including:
means, carried on the second end of the terminal clip for
connecting one electrical conductor to the terminal clip; and
tab means, formed on the terminal clip intermediate the first and
second ends of the terminal clip, for positioning the terminal clip
in the housing.
42. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion;
a terminal portion s from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of maw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting at least one first
electrical conductor to the base;
a plurality of terminals mounted in the terminal portion, each
terminal including:
a collar having a through bore and an aperture intersecting the
through bore; and
a terminal clip having first and second ends, the first end
disposed in the through bore in the collar; and
a threaded fastener engageable through the aperture in the collar
with the first end of the terminal clip to connect an external
electrical conductor between the first end of the terminal clip and
the terminal collar;
at least one tab formed on the terminal clip intermediate the first
and second ends of the terminal clip;
a plurality of spaced dividing formed on the housing; and
flange means, formed on at least one of the dividers and forming a
channel, for receiving the at least one tab on the terminal
clip.
43. A watthour meter socket adapter electrically receiving blade
terminals of a watthour meter, the socket adapter comprising:
a housing including a meter receiving portion, the meter receiving
portion formed of first and second plates and an annular sidewall
extending between the first and second plates, the first and second
plates spaced apart to define a cavity therebetween, the at least
one electrical conductor and the jaw contacts disposed in the
cavity and substantially enclosed by the first and second plates
and the annular side wall;
a terminal portion spaced from the meter receiving portion;
a plurality of jaw contacts mounted in the meter receiving
portion;
at least one jaw contact including:
a base; and
means, carried on the base, for connecting at least one first
electrical conductor to the base; and
means disposed in the housing, for covering substantially all of
the electrical conductors and the apertures, one aperture disposed
adjacent each jaw contact for receiving a blade terminal of a meter
therethrough; and
a plurality of terminal clips;
a plurality or support posts carried on the second plate, each
support post engaging one terminal clip for supporting the one
terminal clip in a stationary position relative to the second
plate; and
at least one rib mounted on the first plate in engagement with the
one terminal clip and co-acting with one support post for retaining
the terminal clip in a stationary position relative to the first
and second plates.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to electrical watthour
meters and, more specifically to watthour meter mounting
enclosures.
In the electric utility industry, plug-in, socket-type watthour
meters are commonly employed to measure electrical power
consumption at a residential or commercial building establishment.
A cabinet is typically mounted on an outside wall of the residence
or building and contains a meter socket having pairs of line and
load contacts which are connected to electric power line conductors
extending from the utility power network and electric load
conductors connected to the residential or building establishment
power distribution network. The contacts receive blade terminals on
a plug-in watthour meter to complete an electric circuit through
the meter between the line and load terminals mounted in the
cabinet for the measurement of electrical power consumption.
S-type, socket-type, plug-in watthour meters have replaced older A
base bottom connected meters which were formed of a single piece
housing in which the watthour meter was fixedly mounted along with
compression terminals which provide connection to the utility power
lines and the building load distribution network.
In an installation involving an A-type bottom connected meter, an A
to S socket adapter is used to allow a new S-type watthour meter to
be installed. The socket type meter has outwardly extending blade
terminals which are insertable into the jaw contacts in the cabinet
of an S-type meter socket. The socket adapter includes its own set
of female jaw contacts which receive the male blade terminals of
the S-type plug-in, socket-type meter.
A socket extender adapter used to convert a ringless style socket
to a ring-type socket has a similar arrangement of contacts and
terminals to plug-in to a socket and to receive an S-type, plug-in,
socket-type meter.
While it is typical for a watthour meter, once it is installed in a
socket or socket and socket adapter, to remain in service for many
years, it is still necessary for such meters to be removed for
repair or replacement from time to time as well as to temporarily
disconnect electrical service to a particular customer. During the
installation and removal of the watthour meter from the socket or
socket adapter, the electric power line terminals in the socket or
socket adapter remain connected to the electric utility power line
conductors and carry potential. The utility employee installing or
removing the watthour meter may inadvertently touch such contacts
thereby raising the possibility of injury. Furthermore, an
inadvertent short across the contacts caused by a tool contacting
the contacts or a full fault caused by a 90.degree. offset
insertion of the meter can cause a spark or flash which could
damage the watthour meter installation as well as posing a
significant risk of injury to the utility employee.
Various flash covers or shields have been devised as separate
attachments to cover a portion of the jaw contacts in a watthour
meter socket or socket adapter as shown in U.S. Pat. No.
5,145,403.
A similar flash cover or shield is shown in FIG. 17 of co-pending
application Ser. No. 08/521,009, and has a flat front cover
containing slots which are aligned with the jaw contacts and
receive the watthour meter terminals therethrough. Rearward facing
legs extend from the upper and lower portions of the cover and
space the cover from the back wall of the socket or socket
adapter.
Both types of flash or safety shields provide some measure of flash
protection in that they cover a portion of the jaw contacts thereby
reducing the possibility of inadvertent contact with such contacts
by the meter installer or portions of the meter during installation
or removal of the meter from the socket or socket adapter. However,
such previously devised flash covers or shields do not completely
surround all exposed portions of the jaw terminals. Thus, such
exposed portions may still be inadvertently touched by a utility
employee or, in the event of a fault or a short, a spark or flash
could still occur.
Current transformer or CT rated watthour meters and socket adapters
are employed in high current applications. Current transformers
coupled to the line and load conductors have their output leads
connected to terminals in a current transformer or CT rated
watthour meter socket adapter. A low current rated watthour meter
is then plugged into the socket adapter to measure power consumed
at the building site.
In addition, potential coils in a watthour meter may also be
connected via potential blade terminals into potential jaw contacts
mounted in the socket adapter and connected by individual
conductors to terminals mounted in the terminal portion of the
socket adapter. In such a watthour meter socket adapter, a problem
is frequently encountered in that individual stranded conductors
extending from the line and load jaw contacts or from the potential
jaw contacts to the terminals can become frayed and break off after
successive connections.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such potential terminals 240 are mounted
in a potential terminal block 242 fixed in the socket adapter
housing. The terminal block 240 is in the form of a housing 244 of
an electrically insulating material and has a pair of outwardly
extending flanges 246 which receive suitable fasteners to mount the
housing 244 to the base of the socket adapter housing. The housing
244 is formed with a plurality of spaced dividers 248 which are
alternately connected on opposite ends by end walls 250. The
dividers 248 and end 250 walls form a series of co-linear slots in
each of which a potential terminal 240 is mounted in a snap-in
connection.
Each potential terminal 240 typically includes a pair of spaced jaw
contacts 252, 254 which are formed as extensions of a pair of
spaced side walls, 256, only one of which is shown.
The side walls 256 are interconnected by an end wall which has a
perpendicular quick connect tab or flange 262 extending therefrom
for receiving a fast-on connector attached to an external
conductor. Optionally, an aperture is formed in the tab 262 for
receiving a self-tapping screw, not shown, to attach an external
conductor to the tab 262. A wire crimp collar 264 is integrally
formed on the end wall 260 interiorly between the side walls 256,
258 and is designed to be crimped around one end of a potential
wire 266. The opposite end of the wire 266 is connected to one of
the potential terminals, not shown, in the terminal portion of the
socket adapter. Further details of the potential terminals can be
had by referring to FIGS. 26-28 and the related description in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,571,031.
Another problem encountered with current transformer rated socket
adapters is the necessity of short circuiting the line and load
socket adapter terminals when the watthour meter is removed for
replacement or testing. Heretofore, elaborate test switch devices
have been incorporated into the CT rated socket adapter to provide
the necessary short circuit feature.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a safety shield for an
electrical watthour meter apparatus which completely encloses all
portions of the jaw contacts in a watthour meter mounting device,
such as a socket, socket adapter, socket extender, etc., to prevent
inadvertent contact with such jaw contacts or to prevent a short
between such contacts which could lead to a spark or flash. It
would also be desirable to provide such a safety shield which can
be easily incorporated into the design of a new watthour meter
socket, or watthour meter socket adapter, or installed as a
separate component in an existing watthour meter socket or socket
adapter.
It would also be desirable to provide a potential jaw contact
design which simplifies the connection of external wires to the
potential jaws. It would also be desirable to provide a current
transformer rated watthour meter socket adapter which has
provisions for easy routing of external wires through the housing
of the socket adapter between the potential terminals. In
previously devised conductors for socket adapters, the jaw contacts
have been attached to the conductors by threaded fasteners. This
involves labor intensive and costly manufacturing operations in
order to prepare the threaded apertures in the conductors and the
contacts and to insert and tighten the fasteners. Thus, it would be
desirable to provide a current and potential jaw contact design for
a watthour meter socket adapter which requires less labor for
manufacturing and assembly and thereby has a reduced cost and
greater reliability.
It would also be desirable to provide a current transformer rated
socket adapter which has a unique and simplified current
transformer bypass feature to short out the current transformers
when the watthour meter is removed from the socket adapters.
Finally, it would also be desirable to provide a current
transformer rated watthour meter socket adapter which has
electrical connections operative to prevent fraying or breakage of
individual electrical conductor strands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an electric watthour meter mounting
apparatus and, in particular, a polyphase, current transformer
rated watthour meter socket adapter which includes a flash or
safety shield for completely covering all exposed portions of the
jaw contacts in the watthour mounting apparatus to prevent
inadvertent contact with such contacts by the meter installer or by
a tool which leads to a short circuit or a full fault caused by a
90.degree. offset insertion of the meter, both of which conditions
could cause a dangerous spark or flash.
The apparatus includes a housing having a watthour meter receiving
portion and a terminal portion spaced from the watthour meter
receiving portion. A plurality of terminals are mounted in the
terminal portion and connected to line conductors and load
conductors. A plurality of jaw-type electrical contacts are mounted
in the watthour meter receiving portion, each jaw contact receiving
a blade terminal of a watthour meter in a snap-in connection.
Electrical conductors are connected between the jaw contacts and
the terminals. Means are formed on or mounted in the housing for
completely covering the electrical conductors and the contacts in
the housing.
The covering means preferably comprises the housing being formed of
first and second plates, one having an annular side wall extending
outward therefrom. The first and second plates are spaced apart,
when joined together, to define an interior cavity. The electrical
conductors are disposed in the cavity and are completely enclosed
by the first and second plates and the annular side wall. A
plurality of hollow receptacles are formed in the first plate and
extend outward from the first plate. The interior of each
receptacle opens to the interior cavity between the first and
second plates and receives a jaw contact therein. A slot is formed
in each receptacle for receiving a blade terminal of a watthour
meter therethrough to enable the blade terminal to be inserted into
an underlying jaw contact. Each receptacle is formed with closed
side walls and an outer end wall to completely surround all
portions of the jaw contact housed therein.
A plurality of potential jaw contacts are mounted in the socket
adapter housing. The potential jaw contacts are disposed in
separate receptacles formed in the first plate of the housing.
Each potential jaw contact includes a base, first and second
spaced, substantially co-planar, angularly bent jaws extending from
the base, and a third angularly bent jaw extending from the base
and disposed between the first and second jaws, an outer end of the
third jaw spaced from outer ends of the first and second jaws to
define a watthour meter blade terminal receiving slot between the
first, second and third jaws. Means are connected to the base for
connecting a first external electrical conductor to the base. Means
are also carried with the base for electrically connecting a second
external electrical conductor to the potential jaw contact.
The second electrical conductor connecting means preferably
comprises a flange extending from the base and a fastener mountable
on the flange for connecting the second external electrical
conductor to the flange.
Means are also provided for connecting a third electrical conductor
to at least one potential jaw contact. The third electrical
conductor connecting means includes a tab extending from the
flange, the tab sized to receive a connector attached to the third
electrical conductor.
Means are provided for supporting the line and load jaw contacts
and the potential jaw contacts in the housing. The supporting means
includes a plurality of dividers carried on the second plate, a
boss carried on the second plate and supporting a flange, and an
aperture in the boss receiving the fastener engagable to the
flange. Slot means are spaced from the boss for receiving the base
of one potential jaw contact.
The terminals each include a collar having a through bore and an
aperture intersecting the through bore, and a terminal clip having
a first and second ends, the first end disposed in the through bore
in the collar. The terminal clip is formed by a first pair of tabs
formed on the second end of the terminal clip, the pair of tabs
defining an aperture adapted to receive one electrical conductor,
and a second pair of tabs formed on the terminal clip intermediate
the first and second ends of the terminal clip.
A plurality of spaced dividers are formed on the first plate. A
pair of flanges are formed on two adjacent dividers and
respectively receive a first and second pair of tabs in the
terminal collar.
A plurality of posts are carried on the second plate, each support
post engaging one terminal clip between the second pair of tabs for
supporting the terminal clip in a stationary position. Guide means
are formed on the second plate for guiding external electrical
conductors into the terminal collar. The guide means are spaced
from the support posts with each support post limiting the length
of insertion of an external electrical conductor into each terminal
collar.
In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of hollow conductive
sleeves are mounted in the first plate. An aperture in the first
plate is alignable with one end of the conductive sleeve. The
second end of the conductive sleeve is electrically coupled to one
terminal clip. A bypass plug includes a body having a plurality of
pins electrically connected in spaced pairs extending therefrom.
The pins are insertable through the apertures in the first plate
into electrical engagement with the conductive sleeves and the
terminal clips.
The present invention provides a unique watthour meter mounting
apparatus containing a safety shield which completely surrounds all
exposed portions of the jaw contacts mounted in a watthour socket,
socket adapter or related device.
The unique conductor, jaw contact and terminal design of the
present invention provides significant advantages over previously
devised conductor, jaw contacts and terminals employed in watthour
meter socket adapters. The unique potential jaw contacts provide
easy connection of one or more external conductors to each
potential jaw contact. Further, the conductor connections to the
potential jaw contacts and the receptacles surrounding the
potential jaw contacts provide easy mounting of the external
conductors through the socket adapter housing.
The unique terminal design of the present invention utilizes a
terminal clip on the bare end of each conductor extending to a jaw
contact. The terminal clip engages the terminal collar and prevents
fraying or breakage of the strands of the conductor previously
caused by repeated connections to the terminals.
Further, the terminal clip is formed with spaced pairs or tabs
which provide easy mounting of each terminal clip in the housing
and prevent substantial movement of each terminal clip in its
mounted position.
Finally, the terminal collar is designed with a lower end portion
which cooperates with the wire guide in the housing to block any
openings through the terminals to prevent access of insects into
the interior of the socket adapter housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The various features, advantages and other uses of the present
invention will become more apparent by referring to the following
detailed description and drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art potential terminal
block;
FIG. 2 is a partially cross-sectioned, side view of a prior art
terminal mounted in the terminal block shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a
watthour meter socket adapter constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the rear housing portion of
the watthour meter socket adapter shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a potential jaw contact
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention;
FIG. 6 is a partial, enlarged, perspective view of a potential jaw
contact mount for the jaw contact shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged, front elevational view of potential
terminal receptacles on the front housing portion of the watthour
meter socket adapter shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is a partial, enlarged, perspective view of the terminal
portion of the rear housing portion of the watthour meter socket
adapter shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal portion of the
front housing portion of the watthour meter socket adapter shown in
FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a terminal collar and a
terminal clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the terminal collar and the
terminal clip shown in FIG. 11 depicted in an open, conductor
receiving position;
FIG. 12 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the terminal
collar and the terminal clip of FIG. 11 depicted in an external
conductor inserted position;
FIG. 13 is a partial end view of the assembled watthour meter
socket adapter shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 14 is a partially exploded, perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the watthour meter socket adapter of the present
invention used with a plug-in current transformer shorting
plug;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through the terminal portion and
the current transformer shorting plug of FIG. 14 shown in their
assembled position; and
FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the watthour meter socket
adapter of the present invention shown in an assembled form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawing, there is depicted an electrical
watthour meter mounting apparatus, such as a socket adapter, having
several unique features not previously provided in watthour meter
socket adapters.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3
and 4. In this embodiment, reference number 310 depicts a polyphase
A to S-type current transformer or CT rated watthour meter socket
adapter. However, it will be understood that the present invention
is usable with any type of socket adapter, regardless if it is CT
rated or not.
The socket adapter 310 is formed of a two-part housing including a
rear housing portion 312 and a front housing portion 314. The rear
housing portion 312 is formed with a planar base 316. An annular
side wall 318 is integrally formed with and extends substantially
perpendicularly from the base 316. The annular side wall 318
terminates in an angular discontinuity formed by side ends 320 and
322. Flanges 324 and 326 extend outward from the side ends 320 and
322, respectively, and are spaced therefrom to form mounting
grooves for the rim filler described hereafter.
An annular rim 319 is formed at one edge of the annular side wall
318. An annular recess 321 may optionally be formed in the rim 319
for receiving a ground surge wire. Lower side walls 328 and 329
depend angularly from the side ends 320 and 322 of the side wall
318 to a bottom edge of the rear housing 312. A pair of hollow
cylindrical members 332 are mounted integral with the lower side
walls 328 and 329 to aid in aligning the front housing portion 314
to the rear housing portion 312.
In addition, a pair of spaced generally cylindrical members 334 and
336 of differing diameters are formed on the side of each of the
lower side walls 328 and 329 and form alignment, support and
interlock surfaces for the front housing portion 314 as described
hereafter.
A metal hanger 410 is mounted on a rear surface of the base 316 for
mounting the socket adapter 310 to a support surface in a
conventional manner. A threaded boss 412 is formed on the base 316
for receiving a fastener to attach the hanger 410 through an
aperture 413 formed in the base 316 of the rear housing 312 as
described hereafter.
A plurality of current contacts 290 are arranged in the adapter 310
in the conventional watthour meter adapter line and load contact
positions. As shown in FIG. 4 for a three phase application, the
top most row of contacts 290 are in contact positions 1, 9 and 3,
starting from the left as shown in FIG. 4. The second or lower row
of contacts 290 are mounted in positions 2, 10, and 4, again
starting from the left edge. The current contacts 290 are
positioned to receive individual blade terminals of a three phase
current transformer rated watthour meter when such a watthour
meter, not shown, is plugged into the socket adapter 310.
Any type of current contact may be employed in the present socket
adapter 310, including the current contact shown in FIGS. 30, 31,
and 39 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,933. The subject matter of this
referenced application, with respect to the current contacts 290,
are incorporated herein by reference.
Each current contact 290 comprises a planar end 292 from which
extends a wire crimp collar 294. The collar 294 receives the end of
a current lead 288. A plurality of jaws extend from the end portion
292. A first jaw is formed of spaced legs 296 and 298 which have
the same angularly bent shape and terminate in end portions, which
are disposed at an approximate 15.degree. angle with respect to the
main extent of each leg 296 and 298 and which extend outward in a
first direction from the plane in which the end portion 292 lays.
The legs 296 and 298 are spaced apart and have an intermediate leg
or second jaw 304 interposed therebetween. The leg 304 is formed
with a curved position extending from the planar end 292 and a
planar, angularly disposed outer end portion which extends outward
in an opposite direction with respect to the plane of the end
portion 292 from the end portions of the legs 296 and 298. The legs
296, 298 and 304 combine to form a jaw contact for receiving an
external lead or terminal.
The intermediate leg 304 may be formed to be more flexible than the
legs 296 and 298. This is preferably achieved by forming the leg
304 of a smaller width than the width of the legs 296 and 298. In
addition, the end portion of the leg 304 is preferably disposed at
an approximate 15.degree. angle from the plane of the planar end
portion 292. A curved portion extends from an end of the portion at
an angle of greater than 15.degree. from the plane of the end
portion 292. This provides a low blade terminal insertion force and
a higher pull out force.
The juncture between the curved and end portions on the
intermediate leg 304 acts as a detent when it engages a center
aperture in a blade terminal inserted into the current contact 290.
The resiliency of the leg 304 enables the leg 304 to flex or bend
sufficiently to receive or allow the withdrawal of the blade
terminal, while lockingly retaining the blade terminal therein.
A plurality of potential jaw contacts, each denoted by reference
number 10 as shown in FIGS. 5-7, are disposed in the socket adapter
10 and held in position between the front and rear housing portions
312 and 314 as described hereafter. As each of the potential jaw
contacts 10 is identically constructed, only one potential jaw
contact 10 will be described hereafter.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the potential jaw contact 10 is similar
to the current contact 290 described above in that it includes a
three finger jaw contact design formed of first and second outer
legs 12 and 14 which have a generally linear extent from a base 16.
Each of the legs 12 and 14 terminates in an angularly bent or
extending end portion 18, both of which extend in the same
direction to one side of the base 16. An intermediate leg 20 is
disposed between the outer legs 12 and 14 and has a generally
sinusoidal shape extending from the base 16 to an opposite side of
the base 16 from the outer ends 18 of the outer legs 12 and 14. The
outer end 22 of the intermediate leg 20 curves outward to one side
of the base 16 opposite from the direction of the outward extent of
ends 18 of the legs 12 and 14 to form a jaw contact which receives
a potential blade terminal extending outward from the base of a
watthour meter, not shown.
A wire crimp collar is formed of two angularly disposed, bendable
flanges 26 and 28 extending from one end of the base 16. The
flanges 26 and 28 are bendable in registry with one end of an
external conductor 30 as shown in FIG. 5 to electrically connect
one end of conductor 30 to the potential jaw contact 10.
Alternately, solder may be used to connect the conductor 30 to the
flanges 26 and 28.
As shown in FIG. 5 and 6, a support flange 32 is formed contiguous
with the base 16 and is bent angularly from the base 16 and extends
generally perpendicularly from one end of the base 16. A threaded
aperture 34 is formed in the support flange 32. A screw fastener
40, with or without a washer 36 threadingly engages the aperture 34
on the support tab 32. An external conductor 41, shown in FIG. 7,
can be fixedly disposed between the fastener 40 and the support
flange 32 to thereby connect the external conductor 41 to the
potential jaw contact 10.
A mounting post or tab 42 extends perpendicularly from an outer end
of the support flange 32. The mounting post 42 provides a separate
connection to another external electrical conductor shown by
reference number 44. In this connection, an electrical connector
46, such as a conventional fast-on or quick connector, is fixedly
attached to one end of the external conductor 44 and is slidably
engagable over complementary formed mounting post 42 to connect the
external conductor 44 to the potential jaw contact 10.
Referring briefly to FIG. 7, it can be seen that sufficient space
exists between the aperture 38 in the contact plate 36 which
receives the screw fastener 40 and the mounting post 42 to enable
the external conductor 41 to be inserted between the screw 40 and
the aperture 38 and the mounting post 42 and connected to the
potential jaw contact 10.
It will be understood that a support flange 32 and screw fastener
40 and/or the mounting post 42 may also be formed on the current
contacts 290 to enable an external conductor to also be connected
to any of the current contacts 290.
A plurality of mounts 50, shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, are provided on
the rear housing 312 for supporting each potential jaw contact 10
in the rear housing 312 to eliminate the need for separate
screw-type fasteners for each contact as in previously devised in
watthour meter socket adapters.
Each mount 50 is identically constructed and includes an elongated
divider 52 having a generally planar shape Each divider 52 extends
from a cylindrical boss 54 having a central bore 56 therein. Bore
56 is designed to receive the end of the screw fastener 40
extending through the contact plate 38 and support flange 32. A
generally U-shaped, arcuate tab 58 extends from the cylindrical
boss 54. The tab 58 forms an open ended slot 60 next to the boss 54
which has a width designed to releasably but snugly receive one end
of the base 16 of one potential jaw contact 10 as shown in FIG. 6.
When the end of the base 16 of one potential jaw contact 10 is
mounted in the slot 60, the support flange 32 on the contact 10
will overlie and rest on the upper end of the cylindrical boss 54,
with the aperture 34 in the tab 32 aligned with the bore 56 in the
cylindrical boss 54. The base 16 extends along and is spaced from
the divider 52 to provide ample room between spaced dividers 52 for
insertion of external conductors into the flanges 26 and 28 at one
end of the base 16. It should be noted that this potential jaw
contact mount 50 securely mounts the potential jaw contact 10 on
the base 316 of the rear housing 312 without the need for any
separate fasteners, thereby significantly reducing labor and
assembly time of the watthour meter socket adapter.
As shown in FIG. 3, the front housing portion 314 is formed as a
one-piece, integrally molded member of an electrically insulating
material, such as a suitable plastic. The front housing portion 314
can be formed of a transparent plastic to enable the location and
connections of the conductors disposed behind the front housing
portion 314 to be easily viewed. The front housing portion 314
includes a generally circular shaped, planar base 420. A plurality
of hollow pockets or receptacles 422 are integrally formed on and
extend outward from one surface of the base 420. Each receptacle
422 is designed to mount a jaw contact attached to an electrical
conductor and includes a slot for slidably receiving a blade
terminal of a watthour meter or other electrical apparatus inserted
into the adapter 310. Further details concerning the construction,
shape and use of the receptacles 422 can be had by referring to
co-pending patent application Ser. No. 08/521,009, now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,577,933 issued Nov. 26, 1996, the contents of which
pertaining to the receptacles 422 are incorporated herein.
A pair of spaced mounting flanges 424, only one of which is shown
in FIG. 3, extend from the base 420 of the front housing portion
314 and are engagable with the flanges 324 and 326 formed at the
ends 320 and 322, respectively, of the side wall 318 of the rear
housing portion 312. In this position, the mounting flanges 424
overlay a portion of the lower side walls 328 and 325 of the rear
housing portion 312. A pair of arcuate, generally cylindrical
recesses 426 and 428 are formed in each mounting flange 424 and are
sized to matingly surround the cylindrical members 334 and 336 on
the rear housing portion 312 to fixedly support and locate the
front housing portion 314 to the rear housing portion 312 in a
round dovetail like joint. A lower side wall 430 extends from the
lowermost arcuate member 428 on each side of the first housing
portion 314 to a bottom edge of the front housing portion 314.
A front cover filler 432 extends below the base 420 of the front
housing portion 314 to a terminal block portion 434. The terminal
block portion 434 extends outward from the front cover filler 432
and terminates in a pair of raised side walls 436 and 438 on
opposite sides of the lower portion of the front cover filler 432.
A pair of annular support members 440 are mounted in the side walls
436 and 438 and are alignable with the cylindrical bosses 332 in
the rear housing portion 312 so as to receive mating and location
pins 507 on terminal cover 500 as described hereafter.
A surge ground conductor 450 is mountable over the base 420 of the
front housing portion 314 and is disposed within the annular side
wall 318 of the rear housing portion 312 after the front housing
portion 314 has been joined to the rear housing portion 312. The
surge ground conductor 450 includes an annular ring 452 which
terminates at opposed ends in a pair of tapered fingers 454. Also,
a pair of depending mounting flanges 456 extend from a rear edge of
the annular ring 452 and include apertures which are alignable with
corresponding apertures on the front cover filler 432 for receiving
fasteners to attach the surge ground conductor 450 to the front
housing portion 314. One fastener extends through the uppermost
aperture on each mounting flange 456 and one of the apertures 458
into the cylindrical member 334 in the rear housing portion 312 to
secure the front and rear housing portions 314 and 312 together.
Another fastener is extendable through each lower aperture in each
mounting flange 456 and an aperture 458 in the front housing
portion 314 and through the cylindrical member 336 to mount the
socket adapter 310 to a wall or other support surface.
In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, a depending aperture
flange is centrally formed at an upper portion of the annular ring
452 and is alignable the threaded boss 412 in the top upper portion
of the base 420 of the front housing portion 314.
As also shown in FIG. 3, an outwardly extending flange 462 is
formed on one depending flanges 456 of the surge ground conductor
450 and includes an aperture 464.
A rim filler denoted generally by reference number 470 is formed on
the base 420 of the front housing portion 314 and is positioned to
fill the angular discontinuity between the side edges 320 and 322
of the annular side wall 318 of the rear housing portion 312 when
the front housing portion 314 is mounted in the rear housing
portion 312. The rim filler 470 extends substantially
perpendicularly from a lower portion of the base 420 and includes a
plurality of angularly spaced tabs 472, 474, and 476 which are
angularly spaced apart to form open ended slots all denoted by
reference number 478 therebetween.
Pointed tabs 480 are formed on the rim filler tabs 472, 474, and
476 to mate with corresponding slots formed on a rim filler
extension 484. As shown in FIG. 3, the rim filler extension 484
includes an arcuate portion 486 sized to fill the annular
discontinuity in the annular side wall 318 of the rear housing
portion 312. A plurality of inward extending, spaced tabs 488 are
formed in the arcuate portion 486 and are spaced apart to form open
ended slots 489 therebetween which align with the slots 478 in the
rim filler 470 when the rim filler extension 484 is mounted on the
rim filler 470 by means of the interlocking tabs and slots. A pair
of mounting arms 490 extend outward from opposite ends of the
arcuate portion 486 and interlock with the flanges 324 and 326 of
the rear housing portion 312 to align the rim filler extension 484
with the rear housing portion 312.
The outer ends of the arcuate portion 486 are formed with a narrow
projection which extends outward from each outer end. Each
projection slidably engage a mating slot formed in each side end
320 and 322 of the annular side wall 318 of the rear housing
portion 312. In addition, a ledge on each end of the rim filler
extension 484 engages a similar ledge 499 on each side end 320 and
322 of the annular side wall 318 to limit insertion of the rim
filler extension 484 into the annular side wall 318.
The slots 478 and 489 formed between the rim filler 470 and the rim
filler extension 484 are disposed adjacent to the base 420 of the
front housing portion 314 and provide openings through which
auxiliary wires connected to electronic circuits in a watthour
meter mounted in the socket adapter 310 or from current terminals
or other terminals mounted in the socket adapter 310 to pass from
the front housing portion 314 to the terminal portion, and from the
terminal portion, as described hereafter, externally from the
adapter 310.
The rim filler extension 484 includes a peripheral flange extending
radially outward from the annular portion 486. The flange has a
recessed shoulder formed at an outer peripheral edge thereof. When
the rim filler extension 484 is attached to the rim filler 470, the
peripheral flange on the rim filler extension 484 is spaced from
the front cover filler 432 to form an opening therebetween for
passage of the auxiliary wires extending from the front housing
portion 314 through the openings formed between the slots 478 and
490 in the rim filler 470 and the rim filler extension 484.
A terminal portion 444 is formed on the terminal block 434. The
terminal portion 444 includes a planar plate extending between side
walls 436 and 438. A plurality of apertures 446 are formed in the
terminal portion 444 and open to the back surface of the terminal
portion 444.
A terminal cover denoted generally by reference number 500 in FIGS.
3 is mountable over the terminal portion 444 of the front housing
portion 314. The terminal cover 500 includes a front wall 516 and a
pair of side walls 502 and 504. The side walls 502 and 504 slide
over the lower side walls 328 and 329 of the rear housing portion
312. A cylindrical boss 506 is formed in each side wall 502 and 504
for surrounding alignment with one of the tubular members 332
formed in the side walls 328 and 329 of the rear housing portion
312. A pin 507 is mounted internally and concentrically within each
boss 506. The pins 507 are typically hollow tubular members which
taper toward the rear edge of the terminal cover 500. The pins 507
extend through the annular support members 440 and the cylindrical
members 332 when the terminal cover 500 is mounted on the front
housing portion 314 and are perpendicular to the surface of the
front housing portion 314 to restrict partial removal of the
terminal cover 500 from the front housing portion 314.
An arcuate edge 510 formed on the front wall 516 extends between
the side walls 502 and 504 and has an inward extending flange 512
extending therefrom. The edge 510 engages a shoulder in the rim
filler extension 484.
A pair of raised channel sections 514 are integrally formed on the
terminal cover 500 and extend outward from the front wall 516 of
the terminal cover 500. Channel portions 514 are hollow and form an
interior cavity 517 which opens to a cavity between the front wall
516 and the front cover filler 432 for the passage of the auxiliary
wires through the terminal cover 500 in front of the terminals
mounted behind the front housing portion 314. Ribs may optionally
be mounted on the front wall 516 of the terminal cover 500 and
extend angularly from one end of each channel portion 514. The
channel portions 514 and/or the optional ribs function as stops to
limit the amount of angular movement of a barrel lock mounted on a
sealing ring used to lockingly mount a watthour meter in the socket
adapter 310.
In addition, a slot 530 is formed along one edge of the terminal
cover 500 adjacent to the side wall 504 and is alignable with the
outwardly extending flange 462 on the surge ground conductor
450.
As shown in FIG. 16, a sealing ring 540 is mounted on a mounting
flange on the rim 319 and a mating mounting flange of a watthour
meter, not shown. The sealing ring 540 is of conventional
construction and includes spaced ends which are brought into
engagement when the sealing ring 540 is mounted on the mating
mounting flanges. A flange 542 extending outward from one end of
the sealing ring 540 passes through a slot in the other end of the
sealing ring 540. At least one aperture is formed in the flange
542. Due to the close proximity of the flange 462 on the surge
ground conductor 450 with the rim filler extension 484, a
conventional seal 546, such as a lead wire seal, may be used to
sealingly connect the flange 462 and the flange 542 on the sealing
ring 540 to provide an indication of any tampering or unauthorized
removal of the sealing ring 540 from the adapter. A wire 548 is
passed through the aperture 464 in the flange 462 on the surge
ground conductor 450 and the aperture in the flange 542 on the
sealing ring 540 before the ends of the wire 548 are lockingly
crimped into the lead slug 550.
This arrangement enables a single seal to be used with both the
sealing ring 540 and the terminal cover 500 and eliminates the need
for two separate seals, one for the sealing ring and one for the
terminal cover.
When the front and rear housing portions 314 and 312 are joined
together, the base 420 of the front housing portion 314, the base
316 of the rear housing portion 312, and the hollow receptacles 422
formed on the base 420 of the front housing portion 314 cooperate
to form a safety shield which substantially, except for the slots
in the receptacles 422, surrounds and encloses the conductors, the
jaw contacts and the terminals in the adapter 310.
As shown in FIG. 3, and in greater detail in FIG. 7, a plurality of
receptacles or pockets, each denoted by reference number 70, are
also formed on the base 420 of the front housing portion 314. Each
receptacle 70 is configured for encompassing one potential jaw
contact 10. Preferably, each receptacle 70 is integrally formed as
a part of the base 420 and extends outward from the base 420. An
aperture 72 is formed in each receptacle 70 and extends through the
interior of the receptacle 70 and through the base 420. This
enables the potential jaw contact 10 to extend into the interior of
a receptacle 70 when the front and rear housing portions 312 and
314 are joined together. The upper edge of each receptacle 70
extends outward further than the upper end of the legs of each
potential jaw contact 10 to provide a shield which prevents
inadvertent contact with the potential jaw contacts 10.
A base wall 74 extends upward from the base 420 of the front
housing portion 314. A plurality of short walls 76 extend from the
base wall 74 and are spaced apart. Each short wall 76 extends to
and forms a continuous part of one receptacle 70. A plurality of
apertures 78 are formed in the base 420 between adjacent, spaced
short walls 76. Each aperture 78 provides access to the contact
plate 38 and the mounting post 42 for the attachment of external
conductors to any of the potential jaw contacts 10, such as
external conductor 41 shown in FIG. 7. Such external conductors,
such as conductor 41, can be routed through the openings in the rim
filler 470 and through the raised channels within the terminal
portion 434.
As shown generally in FIG. 3, and in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and
8, a plurality of linearly arranged, spaced wire guides, arranged
in alternating sets 84 and 86, are integrally formed as a part of
the base 316 of the rear housing portion 312. The wire guides 84
and 86 have two different shapes. The wire guides 84 are each in
the form of a tab extending angularly from the plane of the base
316. Interposed between each pair of wire guides 84 is one wire
guide 86 which is in the form of an elongated block having an end
face extending angularly from the plane of the base 316.
A plurality of support posts 88 are arranged in alternating rows as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. Each support post 88 has a generally
cubicle base 90 and a smaller upper end 92. One support post 88 is
spaced from one wire guide 84 or 86 and acts as a stop to limit the
length of insertion of an external conductor into the bottom end
portion of the socket adapter 310. Further, the angled end faces of
the wire guides 84 and 86 automatically guide an external conductor
into the opening formed above each wire guide 84 and 86 as shown in
FIG. 13.
A plurality of terminals are mounted in the terminal portion of the
front and rear housings 312 and 314. Each terminal is identically
constructed and includes a terminal collar 102 having an enlarged
upper end 104 and a smaller width lower end 106. A through bore 108
extends through the upper end 104. A threaded aperture 110 is also
formed in the upper end 104 and intersects the through bore 108.
The threaded aperture 110 threadingly receives a screw fastener 112
as shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. As shown in FIG. 13, each screw
112 is non-removably positioned in line with the aperture 446.
Each terminal collar 102 is slidably disposed between one support
post 88 and one adjacent wire guide 84 or 86.
A unique terminal clip 116 shown in FIGS. 10-12 is used with the
terminal collar 102 to form the complete terminal 100. The terminal
clip 116 has a planar or slightly curved first end 118 which is
sized for slidable insertion into the bore 108 in the terminal
collar 102. The first end 118 is engaged by the screw fastener 112
as described hereafter. An intermediate portion 120 extends
linearly from the first end 118. At least one and preferably an
intermediate pair of tabs 122 extend generally perpendicularly from
the intermediate portion 120. The purpose of the tabs 122 will also
be described hereafter. An aperture 124 is optionally formed in the
intermediate portion 120 between the tabs 122.
A second end portion 126 extends linearly from the intermediate
portion 120 and has a pair of second tabs 128 extending therefrom
which form a connector means for receiving an electrical conductor.
The second tabs 128 are designed to be crimped into engagement with
the bare end 130 of one of the conductors 288 extending from one of
the current contacts 290 or one conductor 30, not shown in FIG. 11,
extending from one of the potential contacts 10. Solder may also be
used to fixedly join the bare end 130 of the conductor 132 to the
tabs 128.
The intermediate tabs 122 are spaced apart a distance sufficient to
slide over the upper end 92 of a support post 88 and seat on the
shoulder between end 92 and base 90 to support each terminal clip
116 on the base 316. As shown in FIG. 15, at least one and
preferably a pair of ribs 129 extend from the cover 444 and engage
the terminal clip 116 to retain the clip 116 in place in
conjunction with the support post 88.
FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view through the terminal portion
444 of the front housing 314. As shown therein, a plurality of
spaced dividers denoted generally by reference numbers 136 are
integrally formed on and extend from the cover of the terminal
portion 444. Each divider 136 has a plurality of outwardly
extending flanges which, in conjunction with the flanges on
adjacent dividers 136 form pairs of flanges which are sized and
positioned to form channels which slidably receive selected
portions of the terminal collar 102 and the terminal clip 116 to
slidably retain the terminal collar 102 and the terminal clip 116
in position between the mating terminal portions of the front and
rear housings 312 and 314 as shown in FIG. 9.
Further, as described above and shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
terminal clip 116 is fixedly positioned on one of the support posts
88. However, the terminal collar 102 is slidably disposed in a
channel between a pair of spaced dividers 136 and is capable of
movement relative to the base 316 of the rear housing 312 in
response to threading movement of the screw fastener 112 as
described hereafter.
As shown in FIG. 11, with the screw fastener 112 fully retracted
out of the bore 110, the terminal collar 102 will be forced
downward toward the base 316 of the rear housing portion 312 since
the screw 112 abuts the cover 444. This causes the first end
portion 118 of the terminal clip 116 to be disposed in the upper
portion of the bore 108 and forms an opening in the lower portion
of the bore 108 for receiving an external conductor 138. With one
end of an external conductor 138 disposed in the bore 108, the
screw fastener 112 is threaded into the terminal collar 102.
However, since the terminal clip 116 is held in position, such
threading engagement of the screw 102 with the threaded aperture
110 in the terminal collar 102 causes the terminal collar 102
itself to move upward relative to the rear housing portion 312
until the first end portion 118 of the terminal clip 116 securely
engages the end of the conductor 138 to firmly secure the conductor
138 in the terminal 102 in electrical connection with the internal
conductor 132.
Another feature of the present invention is shown in FIG. 13 which
depicts a bottom end view of the assembled front and rear housings
312 and 314. In this view, it can be seen that with the left-most
terminal 102 in a connected position with external conductor 138,
the lower portion 106 of the terminal is aligned with the tabs 122
and 128 on the clip 116 to form a barrier preventing the ingress of
insects into the interior of the socket adapter 310.
Likewise, the right-most terminal 102 is disposed in a lowered
position in the channel between the dividers to form an opening to
receive an external conductor. In this position, the top end 92 of
the support post 88 extends above the top of the wire guides 84 in
the back of the opening formed by the bore 108 in the collar 102 to
form an insect barrier.
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 14. In
FIG. 14, the socket adapter 310 is constructed in the same manner
as described above. However, in this embodiment, the socket adapter
310 includes an additional row of spaced bores 152 in the cover of
the terminal portion 444. The bores 152 open to channels formed
between the pairs of spaced dividers 136 extending from the rear
surface of the cover of the terminal portion 444. The bores 152 are
aligned with the apertures 124 in the intermediate portion 120 of a
terminal clip 116. A conductive sleeve 154 is mounted in each bore
152 and extends rearward from the cover of the terminal portion
444. A fastener at one end of the conductive sleeve 154 connects
the sleeve 154 to the intermediate portion 120 of one terminal clip
116 by threading engagement with the aperture 124 in the terminal
clip 116. This arrangement electrically connects one conductive
sleeve 154 to one terminal clip 116.
A shorting or bypass plug denoted generally by reference number 158
is provided for releasable insertion into the bores 152. The plug
158 is formed of a body 160 having an aperture slot 162 forming a
handle. At least one and preferably a plurality of pins 164 are
mounted in and extend outward from one side or end of the plug body
160. The pins 164 are sized for sliding engagement with the
conductive sleeves 154 mounted in the terminal portion 444 of the
socket adapter 310. Pairs of pins 164 may be electrically connected
by conductors extending between each pair of pins and mounted in
the body 160 of the plug 158. Insertion of the pins 164 of the plug
158 into the bores 152 enables selective line and load contacts
connected by conductors to the terminal clips 116 to be shorted
out, thereby enabling a watthour meter to be removed from the
socket adapter 310 without damage to the current transformers.
* * * * *